APDA Exam Info

Shannon Nuttall
Jun 16
4 min read

Tips and Tricks for our upcoming APDA modern exams

On the exam day

On exam day, students should arrive at the studio in clean and correct uniform with their jazz shoes (if needed) and a big SMILE! We aim to create a calm, positive, and supportive environment so students can enjoy the experience and feel proud of all their hard work. Exams are completed in small groups with an APDA examiner (flown in from Auckland)

Exam day Timeline

Dancers are scheduled to arrive 1 hour before the examination is to commence (bigger groups will be asked to arrive earlier)

Dancers arrive at the studio and are welcomed by their teacher
Students will take turns having
their hair done by a teacher, parent helper or teaching assistant. Some down time for dancers while they are waiting
Dancers will have their number placed on the front and back of their leotard and undergo a uniform check
Dancer will be taken into studio 2 and have their photos taken
The dancers will have a warm up and practice through some of their work in studio 2
Dancers will line up at the studio 1 door listening for the bell
Once the bell is rung the dancer will enter the exam room and commence their dance exam
Once the exam is complete dancers will exit the exam room
A quick reflection with their teacher while they take off their exam numbers
Dancers can relax and feel super proud of what they have achieved

The dancers will perform their exercises, dances, and performance work just as they have practised in class. They are marked individually by the examiner

Parents are more than welcome to wait at the studio during the scheduled times for their dancer, we will have tea and coffee on offer (the waiting area needs to remain quiet during this time). This is not compulsory, you are also welcome to drop your dancer to us and pick them up after their examination has been completed. Please note exams are closed to viewers, no parents are to enter the exam room. Please bring some tidy snacks for your dancer and a water bottle for down times.

Please remember that our exam sessions are held during day times not afternoon/evenings. This may mean organising to have your child picked up from school and brought to the studio in the middle of the day.

Dance Hair

All dancers hair will be done by a teacher, teaching assistant or parent helper on the day of your dancers exam. All you need to bring is a hair brush

We have special exam ribbons for all dancers to wear during their exam. Please no scrunchies or bow clips to be worn. If your dancer has shorter hair we will create a hairstyle to fit the length of their hair.

Jazz, Lucidity and Encore

Dutch braids pulled into a low ponytail

Agility

Dutch braids pulled into a low bun

Uniform

All uniform must be clean and correct on exam day. All uniform will be checked before your dancer enters their exam. If your dancer is missing any uniform items needed for exam, we will provide them with some from our stock and this will be charged to your account

Please note all socks worn with jazz shoes to be 'no-show' or PW tan jazz socks or dancers can opt to go no socks

Chloe leotard and 3/4 black Beckham leggings

Primary jazz 1 and 1

Faith leotard in Port with 3/4 black Beckham leggings

Junior jazz 1, 2 and 3
Encore level 1 and 2
Agility Foundation and level 1(Beckham shorts)
Lucidity Level 1 and 2

Eunice leotard in Marine with 3/4 back Beckham leggings

Elementary jazz 1 and 2
Encore level 3, 4 and 5
Agility Level 2 and 3 (Beckham shorts)
Lucidity Level 3, 4 and 5

Eunice leotard in Navy with full length Black leggings

Elementary Jazz 3 and above
Encore level 6 and above
Agility level 4 and above (Beckham shorts)
Lucidity level 6 and above

Boys uniform

Plain black t-shirt with black shorts or leggings. Black jazz shoes with black socks

Mock Exams

Mock exams for APDA have already been held for our 2026 exam session. We loved seeing all of our dancers come in and give it their best!

Mock exams are an important part of exam preparation, giving dancers the opportunity to experience the exam format in a supportive environment. They help build confidence, reduce nerves, and allow teachers to identify any areas that may need extra attention before the official exam.

Results

All dancers will receive an APDA certificate and report card. Primary and Junior grades will also receive a ribbon.

Results generally take around 4-6 weeks to arrive after the examination session has been completed. These results will be given out in class by the class teacher.

We encourage parents strongly to focus on the experience of exams rather than the score. This teaches our dancers that we are proud of them regardless of how they perform on the day.

While exams can feel a little nerve-wracking, they are designed to be an encouraging experience and a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their progress, confidence, and love of dance.

If you have any questions regrading exams please reach out to your dancers teacher or any ADS staff member. No question is a silly question, we are here to help.

Good luck for your dance exams this year! x